Species At Risk Topics

Insects

Invertebrates constitute by far the greatest proportion of the biodiversity of British Columbia. They include the phyla Rotifera (rotifers), Nematoda, (roundworms), Mollusca (snails, slugs and clams), Annelida (segmented worms) and the huge group, Arthropoda (jointed-legged animals). Arthropods include butterflies, beetles, bugs, spiders and mites, and insects - which are by far the most diverse organisms on Earth.

In just three years after Cannings (1994) estimated that there could be as many as 35,000 species of insects in the province (about 15,000 had been identified up to then), the number of known species grew to approximately 25,000 and estimated total, including those yet to be discovered, reached 40,000 (Harding, 1997). Because of the lack of knowledge and high degree of uncertainty about the distribution and abundance of insects, it is extremely difficult to determine whether they are at risk (threatened or endangered). Since little baseline data exists, surveys cannot determine whether new species are endemic, endangered or widespread. Only a fraction of the total have been even discovered, let alone assessed as to their conservation status. Habitat destruction is proceeding unabated in many areas of the province and many species will be lost before we have any knowledge of their plight - some may even be lost before they are discovered. There is an immediate need to inventory and map the distribution and abundance of invertebrates, and to minimize the adverse effects of human activities. Fortunately, this is an area of active research, and new discoveries, as well as new determinations of conservation status, can be expected regularly in the foreseeable future.

The current (August 1998) provincial tracking list for invertebrates contains 142 records (78 Red list - 64 Blue list) of species that are considered threatened or vulnerable. Of these, only 9 are found within the Columbia Basin.

The status of invertebrates in the Columbia Basin is not well known. Very little work has been done in the Kootenays relative to other areas in the province (S. Cannings, pers. comm.). Baseline studies and local surveys need to be conducted, and then information needs to be communicated to the public, educators and decision-makers alike. It can be safely assumed that, with continued degradation of habitats, that many invertebrates will suffer extirpation.

More Information

Beardmore (1999), from which the above discussion was adapted, provides an account of the Vivid Dancer.

Information on dragonfly research can be found at the web site of the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology

References

Beardmore, R. 1999. Endangered species and spaces of the Columbia Basin. Report by Future Legacy Consulting Group for Columbia Basin Trust and the Royal British Columbia Museum.

Cannings, S.G. 1994. Endangered freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates of British Columbia. In Biodiversity in British Columbia: our changing environment. L.E. Harding and E. McCullum (ed.s). Environment Canada.

Cannings and Stuart, 1977. The Dragonflies of British Columbia, RBCM handbook No. 35

Cannings, R.A. List of Invertebrates of Special Interest. In South Okanagan Conservation Strategy 1990-1995, Appendix 4, D.A.Hlady ed.

Harding, L.E., 1997. Limitations of endangered species lists. Global Biodiversity 6(4): 21-26.

MELP, March 1995. Rare Invertebrates of the South Okanagan. Brochure.

Species At Risk Topics